Coronavirus diary, Monday 1 June

Sunday, May 31st was a memorable day for Cecilia, our oldest resident - her 104th birthday. A day of mixed feelings, celebration and sadness. I don't know what her family had planned, perhaps a party at Sunrise or a birthday lunch but they certainly could not have foreseen being unable to be with her. Cecilia is confined in Sunrise as we all are. It has been her home for fourteen years. 

Her daughter came to wish her a happy birthday but could only wave from outside. No hugs or kisses.

But Cecilia's birthday was celebrated in style with Sunrise laying on a special afternoon tea party We all gathered in the parlour and bistro. Cecilia took up her place in a corner bedecked with a cluster of pink and white balloons and a huge 104th birthday balloon, Beside her was a seven-foot cutout of the Queen, in a white gown wearing a crown. 

After reading her birthday cards Cecelia blew out the candles on her birthday cake made by the Sunrise chef.

What did she think of her unusual birthday? 'It's been a lovely day' she said.

Centenary smiles: Bob and his mother Gwen

Bob's mother's 100th birthday, 1991

My pleasure at sharing her celebration was tinged with sadness. It set me thinking of my mother's final three birthdays. The 100th was special, with a party at the South Glamorgan county headquarters in Cardiff Bay. 

Mum, widowed at 51, had a full, interesting life. She was able to celebrate with all the family, unlike Cecilia, who had one other, not so pleasant, birthday event - a coronavirus test.